Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from beautiful Villa d’Este in Como, Italy where I am at the moment with Acqua di Parma for the presentation of their new fragrance Rosa Nobili. The photos of the event will be coming up shortly. Here you see me at the hotel before leaving to the gala dinner.

My look: Black liquid lamé jumpsuit and blue suede fringe shoulder bag, both by Gucci. Tribute sandals by Saint Laurent, diamond rose necklace, ring and Limelight Gala watch, all by Piaget, diamond earrings by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I was invited by Swarovski to attend the private opening of the global design forum Design Miami/ Basel 2014 followed by an exclusive dinner party. When I arrived, I was blown away by the amazing large-scale installation ‘Prologue’ created by Fredrikson Stallard.

The latest collaborative work between Swarovski and the acclaimed London-based designers is a monumental circular sculpture holding over 8,000 golden Swarovski crystal droplets within a patinated steel frame suspended from a beam.
‘Prologue’s’ luminous ring mimics the iconography of the sun and it shimmers as it constantly reflects and refracts light as it gently moves. It is a powerful representation of new beginnings and also a more abstract symbol of life and rebirth.

For over a decade, Swarovski’s creative collaborations have been a great opportunity for the world’s leading artists, architects and designers to experiment and share their most radical ideas using the medium of crystal.

Here I am with Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, in front of the art work who commented: “Fredrikson Stallard are amongst the most talented designers working today and their installations are always highly impactful and very beautiful. ‘Prologue’ is a glowing symbol of life, and its power lies in its scale. Its compelling presence draws the viewer closer, allowing us to feel a primeval connection with the sun.”

The artists Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard with me yesterday.

About the Fredrikson Stallard
Patrik Fredrikson and Ian Stallard formed their design partnership in 1995 and have become internationally recognized as leading exponents of British avant-garde design. They have the ability to translate their vision into simple yet emotionally engaging furniture and product designs.
‘Prologue’ by Fredrikson Stallard was first shown at Art Basel in Hong Kong in May 2014. It is the second time Fredrikson Stallard have shown a dramatic large-scale installation for Swarovski at Design Miami/ Basel. The ‘Iris Collection’ was presented in 2011.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend a visit to Design Miami/ Basel (open until June 22, 2014). It is absolutely worth it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

VERSUS VERSACE and SUPERGA partnered on a vibrant new collection of footwear starting with a special edition of the SUPERGA 2750 model, made using one of the key prints from the VERSUS VERSACE F/W 2014 collection.

The shoes will be available online at shop.versace.com and superga.com in Europe from the 20th of June and to follow worldwide in selected VERSUS VERSACE boutiques and in the SUPERGA stores, from the 29th of June.

Personall speaking, I think that this is SUPERGA’s coolest collaboration so far!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Versus Versace and Superga

For Kérastase, offering women the hair they dream of is a never-ending quest. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the famous Parisian luxury hair care brand has prepared an exciting new launch, a completely revolutionary hair-taming collection named Discipline! L’Oréal Advanced Research decided to focus on women’s dissatisfaction with their unmanageable and frizzy hair. The new products promise “obedient” hair that does exactly what we want it to do.

I have tried the new line at home and really like it. My hair was easy to blow-dry, more shiny, resistant to humidity, and the best of all frizz-free for around 72 hours thanks to the following ingredients:

– Morpho-Keratine™, a unique blend of shape enhancing ingredients to consolidate hair fiber
– Surface-morphing polymers to smooth surface roughness

The Kérastase Discipline line for home includes the 250ml Bain Fluidealiste and Bain Fluidealiste sulphate free for CHF 29.00, the 200ml Fondant Fluidealiste for CHF 41.00, the 200ml Maskeratine for CHF 51.00, and the 150ml Fluidissime for CHF 51.00. The collection is available now. There is also a in-salon treatment that is said to last up to 10 hair washes.

The celebrated prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre, who embodies with total perfection, Diana Vishneva, is the face of the new line.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Kérastase

Established in Rome in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi and renowned for almost 9 decades for its iconic creations crafted in a myriad of furs and leathers, the Fendi collections never disappoint. Snap up your either your favourite 2Jours, your Peekaboo or Baguette and team it with a great pair of heels for a dynamic fashion statement. See how one bag can change a look!

From left to right: Perforated leather and suede boots, Peekaboo medium leather tote from the ‘Bag Bugs’ Collection (for an artsy look), two-tone cady top, 2Jours small textured-leather shopper (for a classic style), leather pencil skirt and Baguette crystal and Perspex shoulder bag (for a night out), all by Fendi.

LoL, Sandra

Celebrating the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this summer, many luxury brands are launching special edition pieces. Here are the best ones…

Louis Vuitton is taking part for the second time. After a first appearance on the football field in 2010 in South Africa, the Louis Vuitton case, specially designed to carry the famous trophy, will be on July 13th, the final day of the Cup, in the stadium of Maracana in Rio of Janeiro.

Paying tribute to this year’s host nation for the Fifa World Cup, Bvlgari launches the new Octo Bi-Retro Brazil in a 50-piece limited edition.

Donatella Versace has turned to the FIFA World Cup for inspiration in style and created a special t-shirt that combines the passions of football with the vivid iconography of the Versace DNA. A brand new Versace baroque print is created using the colors of a Brazilian carnival, decorated with repeated images of footballs and flowers. The T-shirt, in silk satin for her and cotton jersey for him, is available in selected boutiques now.

MCM has launched the limited edition ‘München Cute Monsters’ collection. Drawing on the vibrancy of Brazilian culture and the festivity of the ultimate football tournament on the planet, the collection features the two pop art characters Viktor & Viktoria as MCM’s monster mascots for the games.

TO SHOP THE MCM ‘München Cute Monsters’ COLLECTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

This spring, Bobbi Brown announced Kate Upton as her new face for the upcoming campaigns. Now the time has come to take a first look and explore the new Surf & Sand Summer 2014 Collection. Reminiscent of the perfect beach holiday, it features the ultimate summer beauty essentials to create an effortless, chic beach look.

Surf Eye Palette (left) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
Eight stunning eye shadows in pastel tones from shimmery pink to soft blue and mild aqua shades.

Sand Eye Palette (right) – Limited Edition – CHF 110.00
This palette offers a variety of natural colors from metallic bronze to glitter gold. Perfect for day and night.

Sheer Lip Color – Limited Edition – CHF 38.00 
Sunlit Pink, Summer Nude, Peach Sorbet and Pink Taffy

Long-Wear Eye Pencil – Limited Edition – CHF 34.00
Black Chocolate and Bronze

Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick – New – CHF 40.00
Champagne Gold

Beach Rollerball Fragrance – Limited Edition – CHF 26.00 (6ml)
Bobbi’s classic “Beach” fragrance is now available in a portable rollerball version. The light and refreshing fragrance evokes warm sunshine and sea air.

Brightening Blush – Limited Edition – CHF 69.00
Bronze and Pink

The collection will be in stores in July 2014.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bobbi Brown

A rare enamel and diamond wristwatch designed by Bvlgari in 1965 was sold on June 4th at Christie’s in London from a private collection. This extraordinary sale, tripling the estimate, has set a new world record price for a Bvlgari snake watch at an auction.

Enamel & diamond snake watch, by Bvlgari, circa 1965

The iconic piece, estimated between $300.780 and $417.750 fetched more than $ 1 Million, changing hands for the final price of $1.107.038. The Roman jeweler, today part of the LVMH Group, celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. The important achievement at Christie’s is testament to the investment value Bvlgari jewelry has, now for over a century.

Serpenti Watch
Quartz movement. 40 mm 18-ct pink gold case, dial and double-spiral bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds and turquoises. Eyes in turquoises. SPP40D2GD2T.2T

Since their first introduction as wristwatches in the 1940s, the Serpenti creations became the icons of Bvlgari’s creativity. As the years went by, eclectic reinterpretations in tune with major trends and prestigious endorsements consolidated their status of brand icons.

No leader of the ancient world is more closely associated with the snake than Cleopatra. Strongly intertwined to the Roman Empire through her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, when she first arrived in Rome in 46 BC, the cheering crowd could admire her beauty enhanced through the coiled gold snake bracelets that were adorning her body.
Almost 2000 years later, in the 1960s, Elizabeth Taylor could not resist to ask her favourite jeweller in Rome at via Condotti 10, to create especially for her a Serpenti bracelet, that she was wearing on the set of Cleopatra, as the new queen of the Nile (see photo in the first collage).

Serpenti Watch
Quartz movement. 40 mm 18-ct white gold case, dial and double-spiral bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds and onyx. Eyes in onyx SPW40D2GD2O.2T

I am a huge fan of the Serpenti watches and cannot wait to finally have one on my wrist…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari

“A person carries off the hat. Hats are about emotion. It is all about how it makes you feel.”
– Philip Treacy

Perfect for weddings or a day at the races, Philip Treacy‘s outlandish headpieces are entirely handmade by his small team in London. He believes wearing a hat should make you feel empowered. The Irish-born milliner received his first headdress commission from Isabella Blow when he was studying at the Royal College of Art. Since then, his extravagant designs have been spotted on the most famous heads in the world.

TO SHOP PHILIP TREACY ONLINE, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Philip Treacy, © Andrew Crowley

It was an amazing trip to the 2014 edition of the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, as Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda served up with perfect conditions to experience days filled with sun, sports, fun and beautiful boats. First launched in 2008, this is the regatta that opens the Mediterranean superyacht calendar. Being on sea and watching the breathtaking fleet of sailing yachts crossing the emerald waters of Porto Cervo, I have immediately become a huge fan of this sport and the Loro Piana brand. Combining fashion, lifestyle and sailing, the core value they share is the search for technical perfection in harmony with nature.

Like every year, the race provides a great opportunity for Loro Piana to test the new line of clothing especially designed for this competitive sport. The Italian brand stands for uncompromised quality and is extremely strong with 6 generations of know-how in the high-end fabrics production, a field in which it continues to be market leader. With textures ranging from linens, cottons to cashmere, vicuña and wools, it offers everything for the distinguished costumer. In December 2013, the Loro Piana family sold a majority stake (80 percent) of their family business to the LVMH Group for over 2 billion euros.

The beautiful Costa Smeralda from above

My Song is Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s 25-metre yacht that also participated in the race and won on the final day. Below are some impressions of what I was able to watch and experience during the last days. I hope that I can transport you the beauty of this sport.

Saturday evening, the prize giving ceremony took place followed by a private dinner party hosted by Loro Piana. I ran into many friends from all over the world.

My friends from Zurich, Marco Vögele and Franziska Rickenbach (here with Pier Luigi Loro Piana in the middle), owners of the most flamboyant yacht that participated in the race, Inouï, also won a prize. I love the eye-catching green color of their sailing boat mixed with the pink cushions and the elegant interior design.

Thanks to Loro Piana, I have beome totally hooked to sailing and cannot wait to be back to experience another regatta.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Loro Piana and © Sandra Bauknecht